Meet Delores Carter
Meet Delores Carter
Founder of Learning Dog Behavior & Enrichment Services
Understanding your dog begins with someone who understands both behavior and people. I’m Delores Carter, and I founded Learning Dog Behavior & Enrichment Services to help families build lasting, confident, and connected relationships with their dogs.
My work is about more than teaching skills. It’s about helping people see their dogs differently. By uncovering the “why” behind behavior and meeting dogs’ emotional, social, and biological needs, I guide families toward harmony built on trust, empathy, and understanding, through behavior consulting and through Dogscaping, designing homes and yards where dogs can thrive.
My Story
I didn’t always imagine myself as a dog trainer. Growing up, I loved animals deeply, but my path took many turns before leading me here. When I adopted a scrappy little puppy who defied all odds, I rediscovered that connection, and it changed everything.
Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to helping dogs and their families thrive together. From working with rescue dogs to pursuing advanced behavior education, every experience has shaped the compassionate, welfare-centered approach I bring to each client today.
My Philosophy
Every dog, and every family, is unique. True change comes when we focus on understanding rather than obedience. My philosophy centers on creating learning experiences that are kind, realistic, and sustainable for both ends of the leash.
I use modern, science-based methods without relying on labels like “force-free” or “positive-only.” Instead, I focus on what matters most: well-being, trust, and connection.
Training should never be about perfection. It’s about progress, empathy, and helping both humans and dogs feel successful.
Over the years, I’ve learned that training is only one piece of the picture. Dogs need to sniff, dig, watch, explore, and rest. When their environment makes room for those needs, many problem behaviors fade and every other kind of support works better. That’s why I created Dogscaping, and why I look at your dog’s whole life, not just their behavior.
Credentials & Experience
IAABC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC)
Licensed Family Dog Mediator (L-FDM)
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
University of Washington Applied Animal Behavior Certificate (UW-AAB)
ACE Certification in Canine Emotion & Cognition
Completed Aggression in Dogs Master Course and Unlocking Resilience Program
Each certification reflects my commitment to continued learning and ethical practice, so I can bring the most compassionate, effective support to every family I work with.
What Clients Can Expect
When you work with Learning Dog Behavior & Enrichment Services, you can expect:
A calm, supportive environment for you and your dog
A tailored plan that fits your lifestyle and goals
Honest communication and realistic expectations
Education that empowers you to understand and help your dog long-term
Recommendations that look at your dog’s whole life, including the spaces they live in
You don’t just get training sessions. You get a partnership focused on helping your family thrive together.
My Book
Why Does My Dog Do That?!
Life in a Multi-Species Home Explained
A short, fun read that explains everyday dog behavior and offers practical solutions for living together. Available in paperback and Kindle.
Get the BookClient Reviews
★★★★★
“Delores has made our lives, and our dog’s life, so much better.”
"She carefully observes the dog to see what's really going on with her and helps us learn to see that as well. We have learned more than I would have thought possible from Delores and feel incredibly fortunate to be able to work with her."
★★★★★
“Delores was absolutely amazing!”
"My 1.5 year old pit/terrier Tito was not great at listening and very aggressive. After around 5 months of training, he is basically a new dog! I highly recommend, thank you so much!"
Serving Livingston County, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Dexter & South Lyon, MI
Helping dogs and their families live in harmony through empathy, education, and connection.